The Gospel of Mark Walking with the Servant Savior Lesson 8 Mark 5:21-43 Day One: Only Believe! Jesus recrossed the Sea of Galilee, most likely returning once again home to Capernaum. The welcome upon His arrival is in great contrast to having been asked to leave the country of the Gadarenes (Luke 8:40 says they were all waiting for Him). Jesus will now respond to the faith of two more individuals one seeking a touch for herself; the other on behalf of a loved one. Read Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, and Luke 8:40-56. 1. Who came to Jesus? What does his title imply about the man? v. 22 A ruler of the synagogue was someone highly respected by the Jews. It is possible that this particular ruler had earlier witnessed Jesus heal the servant of a Roman centurion (Luke 7:1-10). This may have emboldened Jairus to ask for help for his own daughter. 2. How serious was his little girl s illness? v. 23 a. What exactly was Jairus plea? What does Luke 8:42 tell you? b. How was this father s faith made evident in his request? v. 23 Jairus would not be deterred; his mission was of the greatest urgency. He worked his way through the crowd toward Jesus. Only He could help and there wasn t much time. Come closer... Including Jairus daughter, there are three instances mentioned in Scripture where Jesus raised people from the dead, and each was distinct from the others. Look up the other instances and note the person raised and how Jesus brought them back to life. Luke 7:11-15 John 11:28-44 1
3. How did Jesus respond to Jairus request? Who accompanied them? v. 24 The words, So Jesus went with him in the Greek literally mean Jesus went off with him promptly. 4. According to verse 24, describe what that scene must have been like. Selah... Did Jesus need to go with Jairus in order to heal his daughter? Why do you suppose He healed her within the framework of Jairus request? Heartbeat... Do not be afraid; only believe. Mark 5:36b Day Two: Changing the Unchangeable What to look for... On the way to Jairus house, among the crowd pressing in on Jesus was another person in need of His touch. This sudden interruption would necessitate a momentary delay. Read Mark 5:25-34 for review. Jairus had enjoyed the relationship of his only daughter for twelve years, while the woman now standing before Jesus had endured twelve years of suffering. 1. According to Mosaic Law, the woman s hemorrhaging rendered her an outcast. Look up and briefly summarize what the law said in Leviticus 15:19-25. 2. The suffering this woman endured for so long was not only physical; what else is mentioned? v. 26 Perhaps more painful than the affliction itself was the fact that the woman had for years endured tests, treatments, and expenses, but in the end nothing could be done to help her. The Luke 8 account indicates she was incurable. 2
3. When she heard about Jesus, what did she do? vv. 27-29 a. What did the woman say, revealing her faith? b. What did she immediately perceive? 4. What did Jesus immediately perceive? What question did He ask? v. 30 The disciples were surprised that Jesus kept turning around to see who touched Him, but He was immediately aware that healing power had gone out from Him. The question He put forth was to cause the woman to step forward. 5. The woman did step forward. What does verse 33 say about her demeanor? a. How did she answer Jesus? b. What were His words of assurance to her? v. 34 Desiring to restore this woman socially as well as physically, Jesus asked for a public declaration of what had taken place. Hoping to remain hidden she came trembling, declaring publicly in the presence of all the reason why she had touched Jesus and how she was healed! There would be no further question in her mind. His words to her, Go in peace literally mean go into peace! Jesus opened the door of renewal for her, bringing new life to both her body and soul! 6. Personal: Have you made a public declaration of your faith? There are many who will approach Jesus out of curiosity, but fewer who are willing to reach out and touch Him, or to come forward and declare what He has done for them. It is only faith that releases His life giving power! Reach out to Him today in faith for what you need. Please record your thoughts. Review this week s memory verse. 3
Day Three: The Life-giving Word While Jesus stopped to heal a woman who needed His touch, the word went out from Jairus house that his daughter had died. Believing there was no reason to further trouble Jesus, they advised Him not to bother coming. Read Mark 5:35-43 for review. 1. When Jesus received word of the little girl s death, to whom did He directly speak and what did He say? vv. 35-38 a. Who did Jesus take with Him to the house? Describe the scene when they arrived. 2. When the five men encountered the grieving crowd, what did Jesus say? v. 39 a. What was the response to His words of assurance? Those in the crowd didn t wonder even for a moment at what He said, instead they ridiculed Him. 3. Personal: Have other people mocked your faith in Christ? Do they laugh when you tell them how Jesus has changed your life? Are you currently dealing with ridicule? Please comment. The girl was dead and everyone including Jesus knew it, but His words set the stage for bringing the little girl back to life as if awakening her from a nap. 4. The people who were mourning one minute and jeering Jesus the next were put out of the house. Who did He take with Him into the girl s room? vv. 41-42 a. What followed and what was the response of those who accompanied Jesus? Selah... In a similar incident where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11), Lazarus sister Martha doubted and Jesus pressed her to believe in Him. What were His words declaring His power over death? See John 11:25-26 4
5. Jesus issued two commands in the room that day, what were they? v. 43 What a sweet picture the reader is left with this beautiful miracle is followed by the simple order to feed the child. Jesus compassion didn t end with her restoration to life; He also tended to her natural needs! He will do the same for you He is the Word of life. How does this scene encourage you today? Review this week s memory verse. Day Four: Fallen Asleep What to look for... Every Christian is blessed with hope for the future the promise of eternal life with Christ! This same Jesus Christ who suffered, died, arose and ascended will one day return. Our hope is in His resurrection. Therefore, we need not despair when someone we love dies. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 1. As you read through these six verses, what is your initial impression of the Apostle Paul s words? The death of loved ones naturally brings us grief, but that grief is not hopeless because death is not the end. Those who die in Christ will one day be reunited with other believers. 2. What does God promise if you believe? v. 14 This verse refers to believers who have died and are in heaven already! They are presently with God and will come back with Jesus. What does 2 Corinthians 5:8 have to say about it? 5
Paul goes on in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 to say that neither those who have died nor those who are living will be at any disadvantage regarding Christ s return. All believers are going to share in the blessings of the Resurrection! Those who have died already will be with Him when He returns. 3. When God decides it is time, what event will take place? v. 16 No one will miss His return, for He will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. 4. What do the following verses tell you about those of us waiting for His return? Philippians 3:20 1 Thessalonians 1:10 2 Thessalonians 1:7 5. The dead in Christ will rise first. In your own words, describe what will happen next. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 According to verse 18, what is the purpose for these words in Scripture? Are you ready for His return? Your hope for eternity begins the moment you trust Christ as your Savior. If you haven t already done so, He s waiting to hear your prayer today. Imagine, the same love that united people in this life will one day unite them again when Christ returns to reign. Instead of worrying, we should all be encouraging one another! No believer will be left out or overlooked. Even when facing death, we know for a certainty that He is victorious over all! Review this week s memory verse. 6
Day Five: Praying God s Purpose It s time to do some prayer walking not in the literal, but the spiritual sense. The Holy Spirit will lead you today as you consider three points from your lesson, write them in the form of a prayer, and lift them to the Lord. If practicing the presence of God is new to you be patient it will come, and you will be blessed!... We do not know what we ought to pra y for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God s will. Romans 8:26-27 NLT A prayer of hope... When circumstances might have crushed all hope, Jesus encouraged Jairus to go on believing Him for a miracle. Have you been tempted to give up hope by looking at your circumstances? If you will only believe, you will see. A prayer of praise... If you ve been mocked or laughed at for being a Christian, praise God today for His promise to you: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). A prayer of readiness... As a Christian you will share in the blessings of the Resurrection. Will you be ready when He returns for you? Write out this week s verse from memory: 2005 Janis J. Vance, All Rights Reserved. 7
Notes 8